In Japan, electricity is so much a part of life that it is often taken for granted. In April 2016, however, the Japanese retail electricity market was deregulated, enabling consumers to choose their electricity provider for the first time. With public interest in electricity running high, Panasonic wanted to use its position as a leading manufacturer of electronics, housing, communication, and energy products to begin a conversation with consumers about the real value of electricity.
We conducted an experiment in which we charged 21 eneloop batteries with energy created in daily life. We captured Cuddly Hamster Power from hamsters running on exercise wheels, and Cheerful Pom-Pom Power from energetic cheerleaders shaking their pom-poms, 21 different kinds in all.
As an electronics manufacturer, Panasonic wanted to reach out and encourage consumers to think about the real value of electricity. To achieve this goal, we employed a strategy that combined exposure via TV commercials and a dedicated website with exhibitions and online sales (via Amazon) of products created during the project. By offering consumers cute, beautiful, and cool products they can hold in their hands, we created a direct pathway to a new way of thinking about electricity.
We created 21 custom-designed, illustrated packages for the batteries, as well as movies and a booklet showing how they were charged. The project was also featured in TV commercials and a special website. In addition, exhibitions and online sales (via Amazon) enabled consumers to actually touch and own the products created during the project.
We changed the way people think about electricity by transforming it from an invisible force that is taken for granted into something that people relate to as cute, beautiful, or cool.